Preeminent publishing expert to address Club’s indie authors, May 14

The National Press Club's informal group of independent authors welcomes publishing expert Robin Sullivan as its guest speaker at 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, May 14, via a Zoom online meeting. 

Sullivan is the business manager for best-selling fantasy author and husband Michael J. Sullivan. She has published books independently, successfully negotiated six-and seven-figure contracts with major publishers, and published through small presses.

She organizes the Washington DC Write to Publish Group. Its Meetup description notes that it "is unlike most writers’ groups (which focus on critiquing each other’s work). Instead, this group is dedicated to the business side of writing and works to educate authors (and would be authors) on what to expect when taking a finished manuscript and making it available for sale."

"I've done a lot of research over the years on what it takes to publish and market books independently," said Club member Ed Barks, who convenes the independent authors group consisting of Club members. "I've found Robin's expertise to be unrivaled as is her generosity in sharing her knowledge. There is no way I could have published my second book without guidance from her and Michael. She covers the waterfront in terms of publishing, marketing, and distribution. The Club's indie authors are in for a real treat."

The May 14 meeting, one informal member benefit maintained during the current crisis, will be held via video conference. Remote meetings will continue on a stopgap basis until the Club reopens.

The group is open to new attendees. Club members may request an invitation by contacting Ed Barks at [email protected]. In order to be considered, you must indicate your experience with or interest in independent authorship (sometimes called self-publishing) when making your request, and you must be a Club member in good standing. Independent authors manage their own publishing businesses rather than relying on agents and traditional publishing houses, gaining added control of their content and speed to market.